Kicking the underdog title

In its first year in Peach Belt, the Flagler men's soccer team is exceeding others' expectations

You only get one shot as an underdog, and the Flagler College men's soccer team doesn't plan on missing.

After a 2-0 win over Embry- Riddle Wednesday night, the Saints are 5-3-1. Most importantly, in their first season in the Peach Belt Conference, the Saints are unbeaten at 3-0.

The window for surprise is closing.

"We started at the bottom and we've gone straight to the top," junior forward Kevin Partel said. "Next year, they will know we're a team to be reckoned with."

Flagler was picked to finish seventh in the conference at the start of the season. There are just nine teams.

Most of that, sophomore Mack Hough said, can be chalked up to ignorance.

"We've always been underestimated," Hough said. "Our efforts are starting to pay off though. People are starting to know who we are."

It didn't take long for the Saints to get recognized. Flagler is currently in sole possession of first in the Peach Belt and ranked No. 8 in its region, which includes three conferences.

"It's always good to be an underdog," Hough said. "But I think those days are over. We're doing really well right now and I'm proud of our team. Things are coming together."

Flagler has a big conference match this weekend against USC-Aiken and appears to be clicking at the right time.

The Saints opened the year with two losses, but have gone 5-1-1 since.

"I'm not surprised at all by how well we're playing," coach John Lynch said. "I was surprised by how we started."

There are plenty of reasons why Flagler should have high expectations. The Saints barely missed making the postseason as an independent last year, posting a record of 11-5-2.

This year, Flagler doesn't expect the same disappointment.

"No question about it that's our goal," Lynch said. "We want to win a conference title as well. That's something this group hasn't had a chance to do in a long time."

Although the Saints have faced more difficult competition this season, the chance to play for something more has kept the team driven.

"It's incredible," sophomore Pol Berenguer said. "We almost made it last year as an independent. This time, we have something to play for. The motivation is huge."

Berenguer, a former St. Augustine High School standout, scored the opening goal against Embry Riddle and is tied with Hough, a former Menendez star, for the most goals on the team with four. Greg Taafe netted the second goal in the 35th minute.

Partel, who played at St. Joseph, has one goal on the year.

Lynch said it's been nice to have some local flavor leading his team.

"We have St. Augustine well represented here and doing pretty well for us," he said. "It's a good thing to have."

Partel said his time at St. Joseph has been a lot like his days at Flagler. The Flashes, similar to Flagler, are often judged by their size.

"We love to represent," Partel said. "It doesn't matter what people think before they play you. We'll see at the end of the year."